Flight from West coast to Orlando

[klass3]

Not sure whether to go through Disney for air transportation for our cruise in June, 2013. Travelling with family of 5. Disney doesn't inform you of flight info until 45 days prior to cruise? I am not comfortable with that. We need to leave from a certain airport. Not sure what they'd schedule. Trying to book air on my own. Has anyone used Disney for air transport arrangements? Either way, we're using DME. Thank you for any comments.

 

[keliblue]

I find booking on my own is cheaper.. Does southwest fly from your airport ? We have 5 flying from. California so price is important. Also, if you get a southwest card, I believe. U get two free round trips when u sigh up

 

[DVC California]

IMO it is often cheaper and more convenient to book air separately. You have much better control on airports, schedules, and particular airline (for baggage allowance).

Are you doing the land (WDW) before or after the cruise? You will have to fly into MCO the day prior to the cruise because no west coast flight will land in Orlando with enough time to make it to the port the same day same day.

HTH, Steve

 

[Greysword]

Disney is acting as the travel agency, so any changes need to be initiated by them. Personally, I prefer to book through the airline's website, so it is a primary connection between myself and the carrier. Any delays, changes, issues, or refunds will be handled directly and at the time. However if Disney books it, the airline will likely make you go through the agency instead of dealing directly with you. Although, this may have an advantage if the cruise gets delayed for some reason.

 

[klass3]

Thanks for responding. I'm still investigating my options. Southwest isn't open for reserv. in June yet. I'm leaning towards United.

 

[Jestocost]

Not sure whether to go through Disney for air transportation for our cruise in June, 2013. Travelling with family of 5. Disney doesn't inform you of flight info until 45 days prior to cruise? I am not comfortable with that. We need to leave from a certain airport. Not sure what they'd schedule. Trying to book air on my own. Has anyone used Disney for air transport arrangements? Either way, we're using DME. Thank you for any comments.

A couple of things.

First, there is no DME service from the airport to the cruise. DME is a free service that transports passengers between MCO and Disney resorts only. DCL does offer transfers from MCO but they cost $35 per person each way. For a party of five you likely can transfer for less using a private car/van service.

Second, I strongly recommend going in the day before your cruise departure just in case there are any delays that could result in missing your cruise. I am guessing that there's probably not any way to get in from the west coast on the same day you sail with enough time to make the ship anyway, but just in case you were considering it. I frequently see where passengers booking air through Disney get flown in on the same day as the cruise departure.

 

[keliblue]

A couple of things.

First, there is no DME service from the airport to the cruise. DME is a free service that transports passengers between MCO and Disney resorts only. DCL does offer transfers from MCO but they cost $35 per person each way. For a party of five you likely can transfer for less using a private car/van service.

Second, I strongly recommend going in the day before your cruise departure just in case there are any delays that could result in missing your cruise. I am guessing that there's probably not any way to get in from the west coast on the same day you sail with enough time to make the ship anyway, but just in case you were considering it. I frequently see where passengers booking air through Disney get flown in on the same day as the cruise departure.

The earliest you can get in from the west coast is around 4:30 in the afternoon unless you take a red-eye the night before

We've rented a car for a week and tacked on a couple days of Disney either before or after our cruise. renting a car was cheaper the the shuttle service and we were able to do a little shopping and dining pre cruise on our way down